What’s on Bedford: 17 – 28 September 2025

Never miss a thing in Bedford ever again. From theatre to film, live music to art exhibitions, The Bedford Clanger what’s on guide lands every Wednesday and is the only guide you need to find out what’s on and what’s happening across the Borough for the next 11 days.

The Bedford Clanger’s What’s On Guide is kindly sponsored by The Cellar Bar Bedford.


Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Live music: Daddy Long Legs + Black Kat Boppers
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £17.50

Black and white photo of the band Daddy Long Legs

New York City’s most diabolical rhythm and blues street gang aren’t back, they never left. In dark times, DADDY LONG LEGS continue to shine their light everywhere they go, leaving a piece of themselves on stage every night because it’s in them and it’s got to come out. Just one of the best live acts out there, this is not to be missed…

Over the last decade, these gentlemen have burned down houses the world over with their explosive fire ceremony and have amassed a cult-like following all their own with a tough-to-beat reputation for being one of the finest live acts on the road today.


Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Live music: Whitney K + Flypaper
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

A balloon dog with the word EGO printed on its head and the word ID printed on its tail

Direct from Canada, Whitney K bring their Cosmic Canadiana to Bedford with its echoes of Reed and Kristofferson, Dylan and Ackles all filtered through the prism of modern life.

Support comes from slacker hipsters Flypaper as their debut album hits the shops ….gently.


Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Drag: Drag Karaoke and Bingo
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm
Free entry

Drag artiste Fanny Burns
Fanny Burns. Image: The Cellar Bar

Every month, drag queen Fanny Burns will bring her own spin on karaoke and bingo for a night of hilarity and good fun. The bingo cash jackpot has been well over £100, and at £2 per card of six tickets, that means six chances of winning.  Raffle tickets for Fanny’s Flaps game are just £1.

The Cellar Bar is a safe, inclusive, environment for all of our customers. Free entry, just turn up. This show contains adult humour and swearing and is strictly an over 18’s event.


Thursday, 18 September 2025

Walking: “A tour of St Paul’s Church” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at What’s On Hub in Silver Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

06.30 St Paul's church. Image: Cameron Scrimgeour
St Paul’s church. Image: Cameron Scrimgeour

St. Paul’s church has been at the centre of Bedford’s life for over one thousand years and has many stories to tell. Join us on a tour of this beautiful church in the heart of Bedford as we tell its story.

Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.

Children of all ages are most welcome on all of the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.


Thursday, 18 September 2025

LGBTQ: Rainbow Bedfordshire’s Queer Prom (16+)
Bedford Esquires @ 6pm – 11pm
Tickets: £15

Poster for Rainbow Bedfordshire's Queer Prom

Rainbow Bedfordshire is thrilled to invite you to Queer Prom 2025, taking place at the iconic Bedford Esquires.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of joy, inclusion, and vibrant celebrations as we come together to honour the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re reliving your prom experience or creating new memories, Queer Prom is a unique opportunity to dress to impress, dance the night away, and connect with friends old and new.

This is not just a party; it’s a moment in history, a chance to celebrate who you are, promote inclusivity, and spread love. An unforgettable evening filled with laughter, Drag, music, and the joy of community.

Hosted by Ginger Snaps, there will be pizza, performers, a ‘best-dressed’ award, a photographer, dancefloor fillers, a quiet space, both gender neutral and wheelchair accessible toilets, and a space to get changed into your outfit if it would be unsafe to wear it while travelling to and from the event.


Thursday, 18 September 2025

Bedford Skeptics: A Little History of Maths with Snezana Lawrence
North End Club, Roff Avenue @ 7.30pm

An illustration of three Greek women holding up a right angled triangle

Mathematics is fundamental to our daily lives. Science, computing, economics – all aspects of modern life rely on some kind of maths. But how did our ancestors think about numbers?

How did they use mathematics to explain and understand the world around them? Where do numbers even come from? Lawrence, a senior lecturer at Middlesex University, goes beyond the familiar names of Newton and Pascal, exploring the prominent role women have played in the history of maths, including Emmy Noether and Maryam Mirzakhani.

You can find her on social media as @snezanalawrence.bsky.social @snezanalawrence @mathshistory


Thursday, 18 September 2025

Comedy: British Comedian of The Year: Bedford Heat
The Quarry Theatre @ 8pm
Tickets: £14

Castle Comedy & the Quarry theatre host the British Comedian of the Year: Bedford Heat. This competition has the biggest comedy prize in the UK, a whopping £10,001.

This will be a special show where some of the UK’s best acts do their best 10-minute sets in the hope of going through to the final for the chance to win the mega cash prize! The standard of entrant has been outstanding, with established headliners putting themselves forward and some of the most exciting upcoming talent. The quality will be sky high. Judging at each heat will be by you, the audience!


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live music: The Total Stone Roses
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £15

The Total Stone Roses, featuring a lemon in the 'o' of Roses and on a background of a union jack with Jackson Pollock style paint splashes

The UK’s best Stone Roses tribute band returns to the stage to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the eponymous Stone Roses gig at Spike Island.

If you love I Am The Resurrection, Made Of Stone, Fools Gold, Waterfall, She Bangs The Drums, and many more, then do not miss this exclusive opportunity to hear your favourite Stone Roses anthems performed live.


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live music: Out of the Hat
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

Exterior shot of the traditional Castle pub on Newnham Street in Bedford. There are abundant hanging baskets and the pub looks very inviting.
The Castle pub on Newnham Street.

Returning to The Castle, the amazing Out of the Hat duo, singing accoustic songs to get you all dancing.


Friday, 19 September 2025

Magic: Pete Firman: Tricks & Giggles
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20

Comedian and magician Pete Firman pictured throwing a deck of cards in the air

With over 4.5 million social media followers and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete Firman is the UK’s top comic magician.

Join him for an evening of ‘Tricks & Giggles’, as Pete brings his trademark blend of magic and comedy from the small screen to stages around the UK with this brand-new show. Expect impossible feats, sleight of hand and big laughs from one of magic’s most exciting performers!

As seen on Amazon’s Good Omens, ITV1’s Tonight at the London Palladium and The Next Great Magician, BBC1’s The John Bishop Show and The Sarah Millican Television Programme. He’s probably also popped up on your social media feeds with his mind-boggling and regularly viral magic videos.


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live music: Samantha Hughes
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry

A black and white photograph of musician Samantha Hughes playing the banjo at a traditional Irish music night at the Castle pub in Bedford
Samantha Hughes. Image: Iaroslava Ershova

Samantha has become a regular at The Cellar Bar, and once again you are in for a treat as she performs a selection of Rock n Roll, Country, 50s/60s and 80’s party tunes, spreading some good old-fashioned music from years gone by!


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live Music: Tie One On
The Cellar Bar @ 11pm / late close
Free entry 

The London Underground sign, with Tie One On across the middle

Tie One On are a rock/blues band who have played everyting from large festivals to pubs and clubs.  These hard-working musicians have a knack of lighting up a night of Blues Rock mayhem.


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live music: Olivia Lynn
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £11 adv/£15 on the door

Singer Olivia Lynn wearing a cowboy hat with a pink ostrich feather attached

Having played Esquires a few times as a supporting artist, Olivia Lynn and her band will be playing her full album and throwing in some amazing covers too.

“Please come and support my dream, help me get that one step closer to Nashville and let’s have a really good night!”


Friday, 19 September 2025

Live music: The Glam Rock Show
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £30

The Glam Rock Show tour poster

It’s time to bang a gong and Get It On for one night of glam rock! The costumes, the make-up, the music. You ain’t seen nothing yet! So, bring your tiger feet and join us for a night like no other.

Featuring the biggest hits from T.Rex, Mud, Slade, Bowie, Suzi Quatro, Wizzard, Sweet and many more.

Come on feel the noize and dress to impress for this feel-good show of the year!


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Shopping: Slide Record Shop 8th birthday celebrations
Slide Record Shop, 9 The Arcade @ 10am
Free entry

An illustration of Slide Record Shop by Robyn Caley
Image: Sara Sayer/Slide Record Shop

Slide Record Shop is marking eight years in business with a birthday party on Saturday, 20 September and everyone’s invited!

Roll Your Own Records will be manning the decks, there will be doughnuts from Say, plus 20% off records and books on the day.

“Come down, have a browse and enjoy the vibes!”


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Bedfordshire crafts: Aragon Lacemakers’ demonstration and Young Lacemakers sessions
The Higgins Bedford @ 11am – 2pm (demonstrations) 2pm – 4pm (Young lacemaker sessions)
£2/session (booking essential)

Traditional Bedfordshire lacemaking

Aragon Lacemakers will be demonstrating the traditional craft of Bedfordshire lace making at the Higgins Bedford on Saturday. They are offering Young Lacemakers sessions on the same day from 2pm to 4pm for children between the ages of six to 16 years.

The lessons are tailored to each child’s pace in a supportive environment and equipment is provided. There is a small charge of £2 per session per child.

To book a place for the Young Lacemakers session, please email Aragonlacemakers@gmail.com for more information.


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Dance music: Footloose 80s Day Party
Bedford Esquires @ 2pm – 6pm
Tickets: From £8

A photograph of Madonna in Desperately Seeking Susan on a background featuring cartoons of iconic 80s things including a Walkman, Rubiks cube and ghettoblaster

Spend the afternoon revelling in the music you grew up with, the dance moves you still remember, and with the friends you never see enough of. All brought together for an afternoon that feels like a full-blown night out – without touching your evening.


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Choral music: Cantamus Chamber Choir presents God Be In My Head
All Saint’s Church, Turvey @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £10 / further details 07762 589743

Sacred choral music by Paul Edwards and favourite anthems by others, including Schubert, John Ireland and Herbert Howells. Conductor: Gary Mudd.


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Musical: “Caught You In A Lie” – A one-woman musical drama by Yvonne Michele
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £21

A black and white photograph of a woman in the foreground. Dust, smoke and light in the background

Written, directed, and produced by Yvonne Michele, Caught You In A Lie is more than a performance; it’s edutainment with impact. A bold, emotional, and unflinchingly honest look at what it means to break free from abuse, silence, and shame and rise into healing and hope.

Blending spoken word, Lovers Rock, Gospel, and Soul into an unforgettable journey of pain, power, and purpose – come for the music. Leave forever changed.


Saturday, 20 September 2025

Live music:  Highstone
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Bar opens @ 6pm / Happy Hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

Highstone, a five-piece band perform on stage at a pub

Highstone are a four-piece band covering mostly 70s and 80s dance music mixed with a good set of sing-along hits.

So break out your dancing shoes or just lend an ear to Disco, Soul, Rock & Funk classics from Stevie Wonder, The Bee Gees, Chic, The Temptations, Kool & The Gang, , Luther Vandross, Earth Wind & Fire, Santana and Van Morrison, The Eagles, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Mavericks and Wilson Pickett.


Sunday, 21 September 2025

Walking: “The Rise and Fall of Bedford Castle” guided walk
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub in Silver Square
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

A view of Castle Mound in Bedford, the site of the former Bedford Castle
Castle Mound

The Norman Conquest of Britain witnessed the introduction of castles to the landscape and in Bedford,  a major castle was built in the 12th century.  Walk through the old castle grounds, see the mound on which it once stood and hear the story of the castle and its demise in the siege of 1224. This year witnesses the 800th anniversary of the Great Siege of Bedford Castle in 1224.

Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.

Children of all ages are most welcome on all of the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.


Sunday, 21 September 2025

Family fun: Crafternoon
The Higgins Bedford, Castle Lane @ 2pm – 4pm
Free entry

Poster to promote the Crafternoon at the Higgins Bedford

Join artist Marisa Straccia to make artwork inspired by the Higgins’ collections. Come along to create your own art.

Crafternoons are a free, monthly creative activity session for families to have a go at ‘making’ together and enjoy the chance to get creative. All resources are provided. Suitable for under 12s. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please be aware that space is limited and there may be a wait to start.


Sunday, 21 September 2025

Live music: The Workshop Boys play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry

A black and white photo of The Workshop Boys

Formed by former members of Los Marbles and Cutting Out, The Workshop Boys have fast become one of Bedford’s most loved bar bands.


Sunday, 21 September 2025

Live music: U18’s Open Mic
The Cellar Bar @ 5pm – 7pm /  Doors open @ 4pm
Free entry

Cellar Bar - Junior Open Mic

If you’re under 18 and sing, play guitar, drums, or any other musical instrument, or are already in a band, then the Cellar Bar is the place to be. Their Junior Open Mic night is a chance for you to perform on a stage in front of an audience with a full PA, drum kit, amps, and lighting.

Hosted by none other than Mat Roberts, a legend of the Bedford music scene, he will be on hand to offer support and advice, as well as doing a few jam sessions of his own.

Under-18s are welcome in the bar from 5pm until 9pm on Sundays for Junior Open Mic.


Sunday, 21 September 2025

Live music: Open Mic Night
The Cellar Bar @ 7.30pm
Free Entry

Musician Mat Roberts holding a guitar
Image: Mat Roberts

Join Mat Roberts for the Cellar Bar’s Open Mic night – an opportunity for new and experienced performers to get up on stage and perform.

So, whether you think you are the next Tom Grennan or just want a good night of entertainment, head to the Cellar Bar from 7.30pm.


Tuesday, 23 September 2025

Classical music: Lunchtime recital
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 1pm
Free with retiring collection

A man playing the cello

Step into the beautiful surroundings of St Paul’s church to enjoy the Tuesday lunchtime concert. This week features a cello recital by Danny Mihailiuc. Free with a retiring collection


Tuesday, 23 – Saturday, 27 September 2025

Theatre: Blood Brothers
The Place Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £16/£14/£12

A pair of hands, grasped together

Written by Willy Russell, this play edition of Blood Brothers tells the story of twin brothers, Mickey and Edward, who are separated at birth.  Raised only streets apart in the heart of Liverpool, the boys’ lives take two very different paths. However, following a chance meeting, the pair form an unlikely friendship.


Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Guided Walk: ‘A tour of St Peter’s Church’
Bedford Town Centre @ 11am at the What’s On Hub on Silver Street
Tickets: £4/£2 (Please use the code HIGGINS30 to remove the transaction fee)

St Peter's Church, Bedford. Image: St Peter's Church
St Peter’s Church, Bedford. Image: St Peter’s Church

St. Peter’s church is one of the oldest Saxon churches in Bedfordshire. It has withstood attacks by the Vikings and the Normans and two world wars and has played an important part in the history and development of Bedford. Join our guides on a tour of this historic church and discover its story.

Join the Association of Bedford Tour Guides for one of their fascinating weekly walks. Each walk is of 90 minutes to two hours duration and covers a distance of one or two miles. Most walks are suitable for people who are less mobile.

Children of all ages are most welcome on all of the walks but those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Each walk costs £4 per adult or £2 for children over 8. All walks must be pre-booked.


Thursday, 25 September 2025

Live music: Ireland the Show
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £27.50

Join an all-star Irish cast of highly talented singers and performers accompanied by the fabulous Keltic Storm band and world champion Gael Force Irish dancers from an unmissable “Ireland the Show “that will take you on a rip-roaring journey through the decades of a globally loved culture.

The show will feature all the well-known ballads and sing-alongs like the Fields of Athenry, the Irish Rover, Galway Girl, The Black Velvet band, Danny Boy and Whisky In the Jar, to name but a few from iconic artists like the Dubliners, the Pogue’s, Makem and Clancy, Luke Kelly and Christy Moore.

Add to that a string of hilarious stories and jokes from award-winning comedian Gary Gamble and his surreal impressions of Daniel O’Donnell, topped off with energetic reels and jigs from our fiddling maestro and the talented Keltic voice of Donegal singer Elaine Boyle.

If it’s all things Irish you like, then this is the one-stop show for you that’s guaranteed to take you to Ireland and back in one night! 


Thursday, 25 September 2025

Karaoke: Karaoke
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm / doors open 6pm / Happy Hour 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

A microphone against a background of blurred lights

Sarah and Cameo host the only place for karaoke on a Thursday night on Bedford High Street. Choose from over 60,000 songs and sing like a pro with the Cellar Bar’s professional lighting, sound and stage. 

Sing with your friends using multiple microphones and it’s two for £12 on cocktails all night.


Friday, 26 and Saturday, 27 September 2025

Shopping: Makers Market Bedford
Basement at Bunyan, Mill Street @ 11am-4pm (Fri), 11am-3pm (Sat)
Free entry

A ceramic vase decorated with a design of moths and butterflies
Image: Makers Market

A new Makers Market is coming to Bedford this weekend, featuring ceramics, jewellery, art, prints, glass, re-imagined and up-cycled accessories and clothing, and dried flower arrangements. Visitors can sample a variety of Japanese teas served with Welsh cakes, with more conventional options including tea, coffee, cakes, and biscuits also available.

Browse or purchase a unique gift and participate in a crafting project too.

Organisers, Cath and Beth, said: “We hope our market will provide a great opportunity for future collaborations and commissions between the makers and the general public.”


Friday, 26 September 2025

Comedy: Tom Houghton – Deep
The Quarry Theatre @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £20/£17

After a phenomenal, sold-out, international tour, plus a second round of supporting Milton Jones, the man who asked us, “Do you ski?” is turning everything upside down and asking, “Do you scuba?”

Having left the Western world behind, Tom found himself in Indonesia, where he plunged into a journey of self-discovery. He submerged himself as far down in the ocean as possible, while asking the most profound questions of what truly makes someone who they are.

And now he’s bringing his discoveries to you. It’s time to go “Deep”. As seen on Netflix, Comedy Central and host of Very British Problems.


Friday, 26 September 2025

Live music: Blender Future Sessions presents Beattie, KC Blackwater, Burnout, Daybreak
Bedford Esquires @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £12

blender The Future Sessions poster featuring bands including Beattie, KC Blackwater, Burnout and Daybreak

Blender brings their Future Sessions back to Esquires, Bedford with four new hot acts:

Beattie: Signed to Parlophone no less (the same label as a similarly named band), the Bedford-born alt pop artist has strong songs and voice, with influences from Lana Del Ray, Mazzy Star and Radiohead.

KC Blackwater: From MK, the brand delivers a vital punk sound, abrasive and unfiltered, topped with blunt, sarcastic vocals.

Daybreak: An indie-rock six-piece from Bedford with a tight rhythm section, atmospheric keys, dynamic guitars and emotive vocals making for a big sound.

Burnout: The Bedford trio return to playing live after three years, but have just released their debut album in the meantime. The trio use layered soundscapes, delicate vocals and yearning lyrics to sum up the modern world intent on implosion.

Come and support the next big things at Future Sessions. Much more fun at an intimate venue than trudging to a London arena show in three years time and paying triple…


Friday, 26 September 2025

Live music: Double header – Bazooka Joe & Cameo 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm / Bar opens @ 6pm / Happy hour @ 6pm – 9pm
Free entry

The members of Bazooka Joe superimposed in front of the Top of the Pops logo

Bazooka Joe are back at the Cellar Bar with a full-on 80’s vibe.  For the last 14 years, they have been exciting UK audiences with their versatile repertoire of 80s classics which embody the enigmatic, creative, and buoyant spirit of the decade, from Duran Duran, The Specials, Madness, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Human League to Queen, The Jam, Simple Minds and much more!

Afterwards, and playing into the small hours, is Cameo.  Singing classic rock/pop songs from Dolly Parton to Fleetwood Mac to The Red Hot Chili Peppers and so much in between, be ready for a cracking party night.


Friday, 26 September 2025

Live music: Katherine Sefton
The Castle, Newnham Street @ 8.30pm
Free entry

A black and white photo of Katherine Sefton singing into a microphone

An evening of pop, rock and folk music at the Castle on Newnham Street.


Saturday, 27 September 2025

Crafting: Knit, Crochet and Craft One Day Retreat
The Church of the Transfiguration, Kempston MK42 8BQ @ 9am to 5pm
Tickets: £30 

balls of brightly coloured wool
Balls of brightly coloured wool. Image: Pixabay/Wilhei

A relaxing day for you to spend doing the craft you love under the guidance of the Knitting Nanna.

Tea, coffee and biscuits are available all day and a buffet lunch is included in the price. There will be a display table to show off your finishes, a selling table and a freebies tables.

Knitting/crochet lessons are also included in the price if requested in advance. Discounts for group bookings.


Saturday, 27 September 2025

Film: Ocean with David Attenborough
St Andrew’s church, Kimbolton Road, @ 6.15pm
Tickets: £5 / pre-screening meal available

The profile of David Attenborough wearing a bright blue waterproof jacket against a background of an ocean

UFP Film Club’s Bedford Film Night at St Andrews Church community centre (main hall) returns this autumn with a stunning screening of Ocean with David Attenborough.

Audiences will be transported beneath the waves for an extraordinary cinematic journey exploring the beauty, power, and fragility of our oceans. Narrated by Attenborough, this documentary combines breathtaking visuals with urgent reflections on the importance of protecting marine life and ecosystems for future generations.

Bedford Film Night continues UFP Film Club’s mission of bringing inspiring, thought-provoking and independent cinema to the local community, creating opportunities for reflection, connection and conversation.


Saturday, 27 September 2025

Live music: Women in Rock
Bedford Corn Exchange @ 7.30pm
Tickets: £26

Three glamorous female rockers against a purple background

Get ready to crank up the volume and feel the power of Women in Rock, the electrifying live show dedicated entirely to the trailblazing women who shattered the ceilings and redefined rock music forever.

From P!nk to Kelly Clarkson, the raw blues of Janis Joplin, the mystical magic of Stevie Nicks, the magnetic soul of Tina Turner and the anthemic energy of HEART as well as the fearless fire of Alanis Morissette, this powerhouse production show brings decades of iconic hits to life in one unforgettable night.

Expect explosive costume changes, jaw-dropping vocals, epic harmonies, and non-stop audience interaction that will have you singing, dancing, and rocking out from the very first note. Don’t miss the ultimate tribute to the fierce females who rocked the globe.


Saturday, 27 September 2025

Live music: Double header – Sarah Ellen & Helen Lester 
The Cellar Bar @ 8.30pm
Free entry

A headshot of the singer Helen Lester

A full night of pop and rock party tunes from two local musicians.  Sarah Ellen will perform first, followed by Helen Lester taking us into the small hours.


Saturday, 27 September 2025

Classical music: Mozart and Vivaldi by candlelight
St Paul’s church, St Paul’s Square @ 9pm
Tickets: From £20

A classical trio perform in a church surrounded by hundreds of candles
Image: Lumos

Lumos’ candlelit concerts transform timeless classics and modern favourites into unforgettable live experiences. From Coldplay to Vivaldi, ABBA to Beyoncé, each show is designed to move hearts, spark memories, and create moments you’ll never forget.


Sunday, 28 September 2025

Dance music: DJ Sunrise – 90’s/00’s disco
The Cellar Bar @ 4pm – 11pm / Doors open at 4pm
Free entry

90s vs 2000s disco poster

DJ Sunrise will be playing all the floor fillers that you remember from the ’90s and ’00s, and you’ll be transported on a journey of nostalgia.

Dance and sing along to some of the greatest hits ever as the Cellar Bar gives you a the perfect excuse to get out on a Sunday afternoon. And it’s all free! No tickets required.


Sunday, 28 September 2025

Live music: Generation 5pan play the Sunday Afternoon Session
Bedford Esquires @ 5pm
Free entry

A line drawing of the band Generation Span

Formed in 2017, the band members span three generations, performing music enjoyed by all.


At the Higgins Bedford

Exhibition: Colour and Light
The Higgins Bedford until 2 November 2025
Free entry

Alison Goodyear's film Light and Colour as part of the Colour and Light exhibition at the Higgins Bedford. Image: The Higgins Bedford
Alison Goodyear’s film Light and Colour as part of the Colour and Light exhibition at the Higgins Bedford. Image: The Higgins Bedford

Art from the 18th century right up to the present day will be on display at The Higgins Bedford in its new exhibition, exploring the fascinating relationship between Colour and Light.

Read: Exhibition: ‘Colour and Light’ illuminates The Higgins Bedford

Running until 2 November 2025, the exhibition will showcase works from The Cecil Higgins Art Gallery Collection, including iconic pieces by JMW Turner, John Singer Sargent, Sonia Delaunay, Peter Blake, and Chila Kumari Singh Burman.

Colour and Light will also feature a specially commissioned artwork by Bedford-based artist, Alison Goodyear, entitled ‘Light & Colour’, as featured on the front cover of the February issue of the Bedford Clanger. This immersive digital experience, created in collaboration with four Bedford community groups and is inspired by the works in the exhibition.


Exhibition: Edward Bawden – Printmaker
The Higgins Bedford until 26 April
Free entry

A Frog and an Ox by Edward Bawden
Edward Bawden Printmaker. Image: The Higgins Bedford

Take a trip to the Higgins Bedford to explore the Edward Bawden Printmaker exhibition, which celebrates Bawden’s remarkable legacy as ‘The Master of the Linocut’ and offers visitors a chance to delve into his innovative techniques and artistic achievements.


At the Panacea Museum

Permanent exhibition: Discover the amazing story of a unique religious community
Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX
11am – 5pm (last entry 4.30) Thursday – Sunday
Free entry

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Panacea-Museum-Garden-of-Eden.jpg

This fascinating hidden gem of a museum tells the story of the Panacea Society – a Christian group formed in the early twentieth century who created their own ‘Garden of Eden’ in the centre of Bedford.

The Panacea Museum is located across several Victorian buildings that formed the community’s headquarters. It tells the story of the Panacea Society and other similar religious groups.


Exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War
The Panacea Museum, 11 Newnham Rd, Bedford MK40 3NX @ Thursday to Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Free entry

A new social history exhibition has opened at the Panacea Museum this month, exploring the unseen story of this remarkable society and World War II.

Read: New exhibition: The Panacea Society and the Second World War

The beautiful gardens surrounding the Museum are currently filled with blossoming trees, birds, butterflies and bees, and a stroll through the grounds is a highly recommended in addition to a visit to the museum.


Occasional Wednesdays (please check website)

Quiz: A1 SpeedQuizzing
The Cellar Bar @ 8pm   Bar opens at 7pm
£3pp to enter the quiz.  Rolling cash jackpot of £150 plus £60 cash for the winning team and other prizes to winTo reserve your table –

Quiz nights will never be the same again as SpeedQuizzing comes to Bedford town centre.  Get your team of up to six players together and enjoy a fun, interactive night of entertainment hosted by Owen.

There’s a £60 bar tab to the winners and there is a rolling jackpot each week. 

Walk ins are allowed on the night until the venue is full.  Reserve your table online and get a 20 point head start.


Every Thursday

Cocktails, Quiz Night & Karaoke
The Cellar Bar from 5.00pm

Pit your wits against The Cellar Bar’s resident quizmaster to see if you can win the jackpot every Thursday from 8pm. £2 per person entry and a maximum of six per team. The winning team will win the jackpot PLUS a round of shots. Followed by Karaoke til close


Every Saturday

Food & drink: Cocktail mixology masterclass
The Cellar Bar @ 3pm / doors open at 12 noon
£30 per person

The Cellar Bar’s resident mixologist, Marley, will explain how to create some outstanding cocktails for your tasting enjoyment. Then, it’s your turn to put what you’ve learned into practice by making (and drinking) three cocktails.


Theatre highlights by Paula Walker

Explore more on these topics

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.